Pyrowave Grant Brings Processing of Recycled Polystyrene In-House

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Pyrowave has received a grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute's Foam Recycling Coalition to purchase equipment to allow for in-house processing of recycled polystyrene.

The Foam Recycling Coalition was formed under the Foodservice Packaging Institute to support increased recycling of foodservice packaging made from polystyrene foam. They have awarded eight grants.

With the support of the Foodservice Packaging Institute, we will have the ability to shred the densified material from our partners and reduce our costs of operation at our demonstration facility.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (PRWEB)November 28, 2017

Pyrowave, a pioneer in catalytic microwave depolymerization of plastics, has received a $50,000 grant from the Foam Recycling Coalition to purchase equipment to allow for in-house processing of recycled polystyrene.

The Montreal, Quebec, company commercializes microwave-based equipment modules to perform fast depolymerization of mixed plastics and is focusing initially on post-consumer polystyrene. According to Pyrowave, the machines can depolymerize (or break down) post-consumer polystyrene materials into a styrene oil with up to 95 percent yield, which is then shipped to styrene buyers.

“Our initial polystyrene supply is mostly densified because not many jurisdictions know it can be recycled, so we have to source material from far locations until the movement is engaged,” said Jocelyn Doucet, CEO of Pyrowave. “With the support of the Foodservice Packaging Institute, we will have the ability to shred the densified material from our partners and reduce our costs of operation at our demonstration facility. Our goal is that once we demonstrate recyclability of polystyrene, we can see more collection programs implemented, which will increase demand for our equipment by local recyclers.”

“Companies like Pyrowave are advancing technologies to create innovative outlets for recycled polystyrene,” said Lynn Dyer, president of FPI, which houses the coalition. “The beauty of the system that we’re funding is the ability to design a closed loop, taking recycled foam foodservice packaging and turning it back into a building block for future use in foodservice packaging.”

Pyrowave can process approximately one to three tons per day of post-consumer polystyrene material, which includes foodservice packaging items like cups and take-out containers. The company’s current capacity is estimated at 800 tons per year, providing another end market for recycled polystyrene. While currently only operating in Montreal, Pyrowave plans to install additional systems in other parts of North America.

Pyrowave is the eighth grant recipient. Nearly 1 million additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam as a result of the funding.

More grant announcements will be made in early 2018. Visit http://www.recyclefoam.org to learn about previous recipients or to apply for a grant.

ABOUT FPI: Founded in 1933, the Foodservice Packaging Institute is the trade association for the foodservice packaging industry in North America. FPI promotes the value and benefits of foodservice packaging and serves as the industry’s leading authority to educate and influence stakeholders. Members include raw material and machinery suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and purchasers of foodservice packaging. For more information or to follow us on social media, visit http://www.FPI.org.

ABOUT FRC: The Foam Recycling Coalition was formed under the Foodservice Packaging Institute in 2014 to support increased recycling of foodservice packaging made from polystyrene foam. FRC shares general information on foam recycling, provides technical resources and offers funding assistance to programs ready to start or strengthen post-consumer foam recycling. Members include stakeholders from throughout the foodservice packaging value chain. Learn more at http://www.recyclefoam.org.